Vegetation Management Specialist

Title:                    Vegetation Management Specialist

Reports to:          Supervisor, Vegetation Management

Department:        Vegetation Management

Purpose:  Develop, maintain and execute an aggressive right-of-way (“ROW”) clearing and maintenance program.  Must meet and communicate with members in a courteous manner in order to promote and achieve the goal of clear ROW and successfully resolve member complaints or concerns. 

Minimum Qualifications:

·   High School graduate or equivalent.

·   Possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license

Preferred:

·   Experience in vegetation management programs, ROW inspection, ROW crew supervision

·   Certified Arborist

Job Functions:

·    Responsible for right-of-way clearing and maintenance program.

·    Maintain awareness of new technologies, best practices, and industry standards.

·    Develop a balanced work plan to ensure system reliability and minimize ROW related outages.

·    Administer the preparation and evaluation of the ROW bidding process, including contract selection, invoice approval, and work inspection.

·   Coordinate the activities of ROW contractor(s) with activities of Engineering/Operations.

·   Coordinate with Engineering Department regarding needs for right-of-way easements associated with staking projects.

·   Responsible for implementing and maintaining computerized tracking systems in order to promote efficiency and accuracy within the vegetation management program.

·   Utilize UPN, AI Dash, work management software systems, and other applicable programs or systems.

·   Responsible for appraising the conditions of the line equipment and right-of-way while performing regular duties and for advising Operations or Engineering of any defects or conditions as needed.

·   Responsible for responding to member complaints or concerns while establishing an awareness of the importance of vegetation management within the communities.

·   Promote member education and assist in Arbor Day events.

·   Maintain an awareness of RUS and NESC requirements.

·    Other tasks and duties as assigned.

Core Competencies:

·   Ability to operate a personal computer and navigate Windows based applications, UPN, Outlook, and other work management programs.

·   Knowledge pertaining to vegetation management practices.

·   Line design and feed knowledge for trouble shooting and system maintenance purposes.

·   Excellent demonstrated communication and member services skills, including written and verbal abilities.

·   Excellent demonstrated organizational and interpersonal skills.

Core Values:

·  Safety: Continually adheres to regulations and ongoing training to maintain a safe work environment for all.

·  Operational Excellence: Works smart and efficiently to provide exceptional reliability and is a sound financial and economic steward. Collaborates to develop the best solutions.

·  Engagement and Growth: Takes responsibility for own actions, success and growth. Expresses commitment to work hard, with a positive attitude. Demonstrates good judgement and embraces constructive criticism and challenges. Seeks opportunities to learn and share knowledge.

·  Integrity: Honest, respectful, kind and trustworthy. Brings a positive influence and values diversity. Eager to own, apologize and fix mistakes promptly and follow through timely on commitments. Maintains confidentiality.

·  Teamwork: Provides assistance, information or other support for the team to build or maintain relationships.

·  Customer Commitment: Puts the convenience of the members and internal customers first; asks for and values opinions of those whom they serve. Provides solutions with a sense of urgency and concern while being present, open and empathetic.

·  Community Minded: Desires to make a difference in the communities served by NGEMC.

·  Change: Constantly seeks opportunities to develop better services and more efficient processes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities (some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.). Requires physical ability in balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, grasping, hearing, heavy lifting, keeling, pulling, pushing, reaching, standing, stooping, talking, walking, the ability to lift small objects with the fingers, and is defined heavy work.  Maintain a body weight of less than 275 pounds in order to safely operate and conduct work using a bucket truck and climb a ladder while carrying necessary tools. Requires visual acuity in machine operation. Driving and operating commercial vehicles. Exposure to outside environmental conditions on a frequent basis.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Field work with exposure to adverse elements of weather; strenuous physical work, including heavy lifting.  Requires the flexibility to work overtime and irregular hours on short notice and during emergency situations.   Requires the ability to be on call, as required.